PIERRE, S.D.(SDBA)- The South Dakota Legislature’s Joint Committee on Appropriations voted unanimously Tuesday to fully restore South Dakota Public Broadcasting funding, rejecting Gov. Kristi Noem’s proposed budget cuts.

The committee voted 15-0 to approve the Bureau of Information and Telecommunications budget, which includes SDPB’s funding for fiscal year 2026 of $3.6 million.

Julie Overgaard, executive director of South Dakota Public Broadcasting.

Republican Rep. Liz May from Kyle told the committee that SDPB’s sports coverage determined her support.

Committee members from both parties expressed satisfaction with the decision to maintain SDPB’s funding.

Democratic Rep. Erik Muckey from Sioux Falls.

Republican Rep. Chris Kassin from Vermillion echoed that sentiment, saying he was happy to see the funding restored to South Dakota Public Broadcasting at the full level.

The committee also restored the state’s $60,000 grant to the South Dakota Civil Air Patrol, which Gov. Noem had recommended removing from the Department of Military budget.

The budget restoration votes came during a three-hour session where the committee set budgets for 18 state departments and agencies, including the Department of Military, Department of Education, and Bureau of Finance & Management.

Overgaard acknowledged that future discussions about SDPB’s operations would likely continue.

With the committee’s approval, the General Appropriations Bill will include the restored funding and go to the full House and Senate.

The legislature’s regular session, which concludes Thursday, has only three days remaining.

The legislature’s scheduled Veto Day is March 31.